Wellness Resource Center says risky behavior at MU has decreased
The center attributes the decrease to MU programs, including STRIPES
Published Sept. 12, 2008
Freshman Eric Steen said the first weekend he was here, he got a ride home from a girl who was "sloppy drunk."
The Wellness Resource Center and the MU branch of Partners in Prevention are hoping to reduce the number of those instances as they strive, along with other Missouri universities, to tell students about the dangers of risky behavior.
"When you are drunk, 'Oh, let me call Tiger STRIPES,' isn't the first thing that comes to your mind," Steen said.
Steen's mindset is not unique to MU.
"There's not a college campus that doesn't have a problem (with alcohol), but here we take a more comprehensive approach," said Kim Dude, the associate director of the Wellness Resource Center.
"We provide infrastructure so that staff on member campuses can implement the training they receive," Wellness Senior Coordinator Joan Masters said.
The Partners in Prevention coalition takes a behind-the-scenes role in planning many prevention programs this year and continuing others from the past. Dude said student drinking has dropped sharply since 2001, which she attributes to the programs implemented at MU.
"We work closely with all aspects of the community for a supportive environment for good decision making," Dude said.
She said the center meets with government officials, administrators, bar owners, students and locals to get appropriate feedback about how to improve options for students. Some of these options include the STRIPES safe-ride program and CHEERS to the Designated Driver, a program that allows designated drivers to have free non-alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants.
The Wellness Resource Center is responsible for planning the upcoming Alcohol Responsibility Month, which starts Oct. 1. Events include a resource fair and a 12-Hour walk-a-thon. Judd Laipply, who specializes in "inspirational comedy," will also make an appearance.
Although students still engage in risky behaviors, research by the Wellness Resource Center indicates that a majority of students are making informed, safe decisions.
A survey taken last spring and summer revealed that the majority of MU football fans and ticket holders consume four drinks or fewer while tailgating. Although 73 percent of these fans said tailgating is a key part to the football game, Dude said, it seems that being drunk is not always a key part to the experience.
Risky behavior doesn't just include drinking. The wellness center and the partners in prevention program address health and fitness, gambling, safe driving, suicide and mental health issues.
